Sky Sports News has reported that Tottenham executive director Donna-Maria Cullen has branded criticism of Daniel Levy’s handling of transfer dealings as “grossly unfair”.
It has long been the occupation of some fans to lay into what they feel is mishandling of the purse strings by Levy, believing he is responsible for lack of purchases. There is now just under a fortnight before the transfer window slams shut for incoming players at 17.00 on Thursday 9 August. Spurs have not bought a single player, and have angered some fans in the fact that promising youngster Reo Griffiths appears to have cancelled his contract in order to move to Lyon.
In the meantime competitors have been active in the market, with, for example, Arsenal paying Sampdoria £26 million for Lucas Torreira, Liverpool paying Roma nearly £70 million for a goalkeeper (Alisson) and Manchester City paying Leicester £60 million for Riyad Mahrez.
Is the criticism of Levy fair? He paid £30 million each for Sissoko (2016) and Lamela (2103). He then paid £42 million for Sanchez in August last year. He has also pushed forward the new multi-million pound stadium.
According to Cullen the notion that Levy is reluctant to spend is “a misconception”. During the pre-season tour of the USA Cullen told reporters “Daniel works closely with the managers and always has done. He clearly identifies targets, works to get them, and we are no different to other clubs in not necessarily being able to acquire who might be top of your list for whatever reason. There are so many other moving parts in that whole scenario.”
She went on to say “Mauricio is very relaxed. I also think there was a misinterpretation of his comments. He will say that what he said was not about going out and spending money. “Sometimes there’s a degree of frustration at how much is written that isn’t accurate. But what you get with him is he [Levy] is so focused on delivering for this club — and that’s why any of us who work around him think it’s grossly unfair. The point is if he was a chairman who came out and spoke every time there was an assertion that we weren’t comfortable with, you guys would stop listening after a while. When he does speak he does it because he’s got something to say rather than just responding. He is so modest, shy and understated and it’s never about him.”
Is Cullen right? Is the criticism unfair or is Levy holding back progression to the next level and preventing Mauricio Pochettino from getting the players he wants? Do Spurs need to sell before they buy? Who should go?
Spurs fans, have your say.
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